Wireless routers: the workhorses of the wireless equipment family

You need wireless routers with built-in access points for a wireless Internet connection as well as a WLAN. When selecting wireless routers, consider their speed and range. Most routers and other wireless networking equipment support the common wireless technologies: 802.11g (also known as simply, G), 802.11b (B) and 802.11n (N). N, which is newer than G and B, supports higher speeds and longer ranges but isn't always compatible with older wireless equipment.

I recommend: D-Link and Linksys are the biggest names in wireless routers. For one-stop shopping for wireless routers, check out the selection at Newegg or  Circuit City, where you’ll find a full slate of wireless equipment and supplies.

Wireless equipment to expand your wireless network's territory

A repeater amplifies your wireless network's signal so that it can reach farther. Access points that can be switched to repeater mode will do the trick. Repeaters can slow down wireless networks with heavy traffic. Therefore they work best on small wireless networks with plenty of bandwidth. Need to connect two wireless networks? Invest in a piece of wireless equipment known as a wireless bridge.

I recommend: If you’re in the market for a repeater, consider Hawking Technology’s Wireless G Range Extender. Shop for wireless bridges and other wireless equipment and supplies at WLANMall, where you can search for bridges by frequency, manufacturer or wireless technology.

Outfit your computers with wireless supplies to make them wireless-ready

If your laptop or desktop computers aren't equipped to connect to a wireless network, you can easily update them with the right wireless supplies.

I recommend: Most computer manufacturers sell network adapters and other wireless supplies for their products. You can also find adapters at outlets such as TigerDirect, which offers a large inventory of wireless cards for portable computers and USB wireless adapters for desktops. Belkin International makes several wireless cards for laptops, including cards based on N-technology. Find more vendors of network adapters at Business.com.

Commercial wireless equipment and supplies

Companies that produce and develop products and services that incorporate wireless technology will find plenty of vendors who stock wireless equipment and supplies for their applications.

I recommend: AeroComm makes transceivers, featuring proprietary FHSS RF technology, for a multitude of commercial and industrial applications. Measure wireless equipment performance with wireless test equipment from Palowireless. Global communications giant Alcatel-Lucent provides microwave, optics and WIMAX products for wireless broadband networks.